IW 2024 Annual Impact Report
IW Annual Impact Report 2024
A Year of Growth, Service, and Laying the Groundwork for Transformation
Introduction
In 2024, Irreverent Warriors (IW) remained unwavering in its mission: combating veteran suicide by fostering camaraderie, emotional healing, and connection through humor and innovative approaches. This year was one of critical foundational change, setting the stage for a transformative 2025.
Unlike traditional veteran service organizations, IW operates as a ground-up, grassroots movement, empowering veterans to heal through authentic connection, shared experience, and irreverent humor. Our impact is tangible—thousands of veterans across the country found strength, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging through our events and initiatives.
This report highlights our accomplishments in 2024, the groundwork we laid for the future, and the bold steps we are taking to redefine veteran support and suicide prevention in 2025.
2024 Highlights
1. Growth and Community Impact
✅ Over 11,193 veterans and volunteers participated in IW hikes, mini-events, and alternative healing activities this year. These gatherings helped veterans rebuild their “emotional safety net” and reconnect with a supportive tribe.
✅ Disaster Relief Efforts: IW mobilized over 200 volunteers in response to Hurricane Helene, delivering 10,000 pounds of critical supplies and distributing $1.8 million in GS clothing to affected communities. Local chapters also led efforts to clothe 50 homeless veterans and 35 Afghan refugees.
✅ Chapter Expansion: 18 new cities entered the development pipeline, and three—Maine, Portsmouth, and Vincennes—graduated to fully established chapter status for 2025.
2. Events and Programs
✅ 59 Silkies Hikes Nationwide: Our signature hikes provided safe, open spaces for veterans to bond, share their struggles, and reduce the effects of isolation.
✅ Veterans Day Virtual 5K: Our first-ever virtual 5K raised over $23k to support veteran mental health initiatives.
✅ Alternative Healing Modalities: Through Grunt Style Foundation, IW leaders attended South American indigenous ceremonies and Oglala Lakota sweat lodges, gaining exposure to holistic healing paths that have transformed veteran lives.
3. Organizational Evolution
✅ Leadership Transition: A new IW Program Director performed a deep-dive on accountability, efficiency, and professionalization while keeping the IW spirit alive.
✅ Chapter Maturity Model Launched:
A four-tier model—Checkpoint, Outpost, Camp, and FOB—now ensures that chapters are supported based on capability, engagement, and growth stage.
✅ Operational Upgrades:
Event Registration Overhaul: Switching from Eventbrite to DonorDrive will save $10,000 annually while improving user experience.
Financial Management Revamp: Banking and Aplos/PEX financial systems were streamlined to ensure transparency, compliance, and efficiency.
Breaking the Mold: The IW Approach
IW is not a traditional nonprofit—we are a tribe of healing and service, built on unbreakable bonds, humor, and mission-driven irreverence.
With active-duty suicide rates rising 12% last year, America can no longer afford to treat veterans like statistics. The status quo isn’t working. IW is here to disrupt it.
Preparing for Transformation in 2025
The groundwork laid in 2024 is setting the stage for seismic shifts in 2025. Key initiatives include:
✅ Triangular Compass & Integration Events:
Introducing our signature veteran healing framework across all chapters, with cold plunges, sweat lodges, and plant education at our major events.
✅ Combat Outpost IW Leadership Summit:
Bringing leaders from every chapter together for advanced training, mentorship, and professional growth.
✅ Sound Off App Expansion:
Launching a peer-support pilot program in Milwaukee to connect veterans with trained counselors via a discreet and secure app.
✅ New Virtual Events:
First-ever Virtual 4th of July Silkies Hike open to the public.
Expanding Veterans Day Virtual 5K to reach even more veterans nationwide.
✅ Social Media & Communications Overhaul:
Restructuring Facebook groups & social platforms for better engagement.
Launching new IW-exclusive content and campaigns.
✅ Disaster Response Readiness:
With GSF, VFW, and Convoy of Hope partnerships, IW is positioning for future needs. Our sweet spot has been resupply convoys to hard-hit areas.
Financial Overview
💰 Revenue: $897,034.62
💸 Expenses: $771,790.26
📈 Net Income: $125,244.36
Key Takeaway: Only 11.8% of our revenue went toward administrative overhead. All remaining expenditures were programs directly impacting suicide prevention. IW remains financially stable and growing, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The Road Ahead
2025 will be a defining year for Irreverent Warriors as we fully embrace our identity as a movement of healing and transformation.
With your help, we are not just addressing the veteran suicide crisis—we are shaping the future of veteran mental health.
Together, we are Irreverent Warriors.
Together, we are unstoppable.